fern* 
/%mo 


uoru   ram    nmo  #00/ 


No.  111. 


THE  DYING  OFFICER  IN  BARRACKS  - 
CHRIST  IN  THE  DARK  VALLEY. 


My  Dear  Cousin: 

To  vou  who  knew  so  well  the  character  of  our  be- 
loved and  lamented  brother,  the  kind  affection  with 
which  he  ever  anticipated  our  wishes,  and  all  those 
sweet  and  tender  ties  by  which  our  souls  were  united 
to  him,  I  need  not  endeavor  to  say  how  great  is  our 
ioss  ;  the  attempt  would  be  as  vain  as  it  would  be  super- 
fluous. But  though  the  words  which  fell  from  his 
dear  lips  during  the  time  we  were  with  him  can 
never  be  erased  from  memory,  still  it  would  be  a 
gratification  could  I  record  them  in  order,  and  I  know 
no  one  who  could  receive  such  an  account  with  more 
satisfaction  than  yourself. 

Never,  I  think,  was  the  power  of  religion  more 
strikingly  exemplified,  nor  the  grace,  mercy,  and  truth 
of  our  Almighty  Redeemer  more  evidently  shown  than 
in  my  dearest  brother.  That  blessed  Holy  Spirit  which 
the  God  of  all  grace  has  promised  to  all  who  ask  it  had 
taught  him  to  feel  how  vain  and  hopeless  a  thing  it 
is  for  man  (a  poor,  guilty,  ignorant  creature)  to  look 
for  justification  in  the  sight  of  a^pure  and  holy  God, 
in    any    way     but    through    Him   who    gave    himself   a 


54  THE     DYING    OFFICER    IN     BARRACKS. 

ransom  for  us,  that  he  might  be  made  unto  us  wisdom 
and  righteousness,  sanctificalion  and  redemption.  To 
him  lie  was  enabled  by  that  Spirit  to  apply,  and  from 
him  he  found  that  solid  hope  and  comfort  which  the 
self-righteous  or  the  worldling  looks  for  in  vain.  In 
the  time  of  health  he  used  to  observe  that  which  he  de- 
rived most  comfort  from  was  reading  the  Scriptures  on 
his  knees,  and  praying  over  every  verse.  I  have  fre- 
quently known  him  rise  before  daylight  that  he  might 
do  so,  and  the  state  of  his  mind  when  on  his  death-bed 
sufficiently  proved  that  those  who  seek,  shall  indeed  find. 

We  had  been  in a  week  before  we  were  permitted 

to  see  him,  as  the  nature  of  his  complaint  was  such  that 
the  medical  gentleman  who  attended  him,  with  all  the 
kindness  of  a  brother,  and  who,  as  well  as  his  other  at- 
tendants, did  all  in  the  power  of  man  for  his  relief, 
thought  the  least  agitation  would  be  fatal.  My  mother 
only  was  at  first  admitted,  and  her  grief  at  seeing  him  in 
such  a  state  was  much  alleviated  by  finding  him  in 
such  a  happy  frame  of  mind.  The  first  words  he  uttered 
were,  "  My  dearest  mother,  I  never  thought  to  see 
you  again,  but  do  not  be  unhappy  on  my  account; 
whether  I  live  or  die,  1  am  safe  in  the  arms  of  Jesu-s 
Christ,"  with  much  of  the  same  nature  which  I  do  not 
at  this  moment  recollect.  Me  then  inquired  for  us  with 
his  usual  kindness,   was  anxious  to  know   whether  we 

were  happy  at ,  if  we  hail  comfortable  lodgings,  etc., 

and  appeared  much  gratified  when  she  answer*  d  in  the 
affirmative.  In  truth,  it  was  evident,  not  only  then,  but 
all  through  his  illness,  that  all  his  concern  was  about  us. 

On  the  following  day  Sarah  also  went.  As  soon  as  he 
saw  Iter,  he  said,  "Oh,  Sally,  health  is  the  time  to  seek 
the  Lord.  Oo  you  know  since  I  have  been  ill  I  have 
been  two  dctys  without  being  able  to  pray." 


Pit. 

THE    DYING    OFFICER    IN    BARRACKS.  3 


The  day  after,  Mary  and  I  accompanied  them.  It 
was  thought  better  that  he  should  not  be  apprised  of 
our  arrival,  so  that  he  didSfoot  expect  to  see  us  all,  and 
never  can  I  forget  the  lively  joy  that  beamed  in  his 
dear  face  when  we  entered  the  room  together:  but  what 
a  sight  for  us!  that  brother,  dear  to  us  as  our  own  souls, 
who  only  a  few  weeks  before  had  left  us  in  perfect 
health,  apparently  now  lying  with  death  in  his  very 
countenance. 

How  did  I  feel  at  that  moment  the  vanity  of  every 
created  good,  and  the  happiness  of  placing  our  affec- 
tions on  things  above.  He  begged  us  to  come  near  him, 
and  taking  our  hands  and  kissing  us  most  affection- 
ately, said,  "  What,  all  here  !  Oh,  what  a  mercy  !  what 
a  mercy  !  Oh,  that  we  could  praise  him!"  His  agitation 
overcame  him,  and  he  nearly  fainted,  so  that  he  ap- 
peared to  be  dying;  when  he  opened  his  eyes,  he  said, 
"  I  trust  1  have  had  a  foretaste  of  the  joys  of  heaven." 
And,  again,  taking  our  hands,  and  raising  his  eyes  to 
heaven,  as  if  engaged  in  fervent  prayer,  he  asked,  "Are 
you  all  safe  in  Christ?"  "  My  dearest  Pemrny  (the 
name  he  always  called  me),  it  is  hard  to  be  separated, 
but  it  is  the  Lord's  will."  My  mother  offered  him  a 
piece  of  orange,  thinking  it  might  revive  him  ;  he  said, 
"No,  mother,  I  trust  I  have  done  with  this  poor,  perish- 
ing world."  Then,  looking  at  each  of  us,  "Seek  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ."  Then  turning  to  my  mother,  "Give 
Mr.  H.  a  hearty  shake  of  the  hand  for  me.  I  should 
like  him  to  bury  me."  He  afterward  seemed  disposed 
to  sleep,  and  we  left  him  for  a  few  moments.  As  we 
were  about  to  leave  the  room,  he  took  hold  of  my  hand, 
and  again  said,  "  It  is  indeed  hard  to  part,  but  I  can 
leave  you  all  with  Christ,  it  will  not  be  for  ever.'''  He 
had  long  wished  to  take  the  sacrament,  but,  from  his 


4  THE    DYING    OFFICER    IN    BARRACKS. 

extreme  weakness,  was  unable  to  do  so,  and  it  was  not 
till  that  morning  tliat  the  doctor  thought  it  would  be 
proper.       He    wished    particularly    that    the    Rev.    Mr. 

S ,   from   whose   sermons    he   used    to  derive   great 

comfort,  should  administer  it,  and  his  wishes  were  com- 
plied with.  Mr.  A.,  to  whom  he  was  particularly  at- 
tached, and  his  servant,  a  faithful  creature,  who  waited 
on  him  with  the  greatest  care  and  attention  throughout 
his  illness,  partook  it  with  him.  When  Mr.  S.  said 
"the  body  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ"  (in  giving  the 
bread  to  my  brother),  he  raised  his  hands  and  eyes,  and 
evidently  prayed  most  earnestly  that  it  might  indeed  be 
the  case  ;  in  short,  through  the  whole  service,  I  never 
witnessed  such  fervent  devotion.  He  afterward  ob- 
served to  my  mother:  "What  a  mercy  it  is  that  I  am 
able  to  feel  that  He  is  my  Saviour." 

Soon  after,  we  were  obliged  to  leave  the  hospital,  as 
lie  would  not  allow  us  to  be  out  of  his  room  while  lie 
knew  we  were  there,  and  his  medical  friends  thought  it 
highly  improper  that  we  should  remain  any  longer  with 
him  at  that  time.  But  early  next  morning  we  returned, 
and  from  that  time,  through  their  kindness,  were  en- 
abled to  remain  with  him,  and  have  the  unspeakable 
satisfaction  of  attending  to  him  ourselves.  Sometimes 
his  mind  wandered,  as  the  effect  of  his  disease,  but  he 
was  sufficiently  collected  to  know  us  all  well,  and  to 
understand  everything  that  was  said.  The  delight  he 
expressed  at  having  us  with  him  was  a  cordial  to  our 
hearts;  and  when  his  weakness  prevented  him  speaking, 
his  countenance  sufficiently  showed  the  pleasure  it  cave 
him.  In  all  his  wanderings,  the  love  of  Christ  was 
his  constant  theme. 

When  Mr.  A.  came  in,  and  asked  him  how  he  did, 
he  replied:   "I  am   very  well,  only  it  has  pleased   the 


THE    DYING    OFFICER    IN    BARRACKS.  O 

Lord  to  lay  me  rather  low.  I  am  low  at  the  foot  of  the 
Cross,  but  there  (looking  up  and  smiling)  you  know  I 
cannot  he  too  low." 

I  often,  as  I  sat  by  his  bedside,  and  heard  him  talk  in 
this  way,  used  to  think  of  those  lines  of  Newton's  : 

"  Redeeming  love  has  been  my  theme, 
And  shall  be  till  I  die." 

I  am  sure  this  was  my  dear  Anthony's  theme  as  long 
as  he  could  speak,  and  when  he  could  not,  if  it  was 
mentioned  his  countenance  showed  the  delight  it  gave 
h  ira. 

On  one  occasion  he  offered  up  the  following  prayer, 
which  I  took  down  at  the  moment:  "Grant,  O  Heav- 
enly Father,  thy  blessing  to  this  family,  sanctify  all  thy 
dealings  with  us,  and  grant  that  we  may  be  more  sensi- 
ble of  thy  mercies  to  us,  and  in  the  time  of  health  may 
strive  to  do  all  the  little  good  we  can.  Leave  us  not  to 
ourselves,  nor  to  the  crafty  snares  and  devices  of  the 
Devil,  but  grant  that  we  may  be  for  ever  thine,  through 
our  only  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen." 

At  another  time,  clasping  his  dear  hands  together 
(how  I  wish  you  could  have  seen  him),  he  said  in 
the  most  solemn  manner:  "O  Lord,  thou  hast  promised 
to  hear  all  those  who  call  upon  thee.  /  desire  to  call 
upon  thee.  O  Lord,  hear  me,  hide  me  under  the 
shadow  of  thy  wings,  keep  us  as  the  apple  of  thine 
eye.  Grant  that  we  may  hate  sin,  and  strive  to  do  good 
by  visiting  cottages,  distributing  tracts,"  etc. 

On  another  occasion  he  prayed  in  such  a  way  that 
I  never  knew  him  in  perfect  health  repeat  a  prayer 
more  fervently. 

He  frequently  inquired  if  we  were  comfortable,  and 
how  he  could  make  us  more  so,  and  often  appeared  fear- 


6  THE    DYING    OFFICER    IX    BARRACKS. 

ful  of  our  leaving  him  ;  but  when  told  we  were  living 
with  him  and  had  everything  comfortable,  lie  seemed 
quite  easy.  When  sensible  he  would  watch  every  turn 
of  our  countenances,  and,  when  he  observed  anything 
like  grief,  his  agitation  was  extreme,  so  that  we  durst 
not  approach  him  but  with  smiles.  When  his  senses 
wandered,  we  did  not  think  such  caution  necessary,  but 
even  then  we  found  out  he  was  alive  to  everything 
which  gave  us  pain.  It  was  seldom  that  he  did  not 
know  Mr.  A.,  from  whose  conversation  he  seemed  to 
derive  peculiar  satisfaction.  Once  when  he  said  to  him, 
"Anthony,  do  you  know  me?"  he  seemed  surprised  at 

the  question,  and  replied  :   "Know  you,  A !  I  ought 

to  know  you,  you  have  been  so  good  to  me;"  and  again, 
when  asked  the  same  question,  said  :  "To  be  sure  I  do; 

A ,  you  are  my  best  friend."    On  the  Sunday  before 

his  death  it  pleased  his  Heavenly  Father  to  revive  him 
a  little.  He  had  nearly  fainted,  and  was  just  recover- 
ing, when  Mr.  A.  entered  the  room,  and  said:  "An- 
thony, do  you  find  Christ  precious  now?"  He  answered, 
most  earnestly,  though  hardly  able  to  articulate  :  Very, 
very,  very .'"  "  Don't  you  feel  that  He  is  with  you  now, 
that  you  are  passing  through  the  dark  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death?  and  that  he  puts  about  you  his  ever- 
lasting arms  of  mercy?"  "O  yes,  yes!"  "Would 
you  exchange  situations  with  the  king  of  the  proudest 
empire?"  "Oh,  no,  indeed,  I  would  not."  "You  used 
to  have  doubts  and  fears,  Anthony,  where  are  they  now? 
Have  you  none  ?"  "  How  can  1,"  he  answered,  "  when 
the  Lord  is  so  gracious  ?"  •*  Don't  you  feel  that  Christ 
has  robbed  death  of  its  sting,  the  grave  of  its  victory?" 
I  never  shall  forget  the  manner  in  which  he  replied, 
"  Completely,  completely."  Then  looking  up,  as  if  he 
had  just  observed  us:     "  What,  my  mother  and  sisters, 


THE    DYING    OFFICER    IN    BARRACKS.  7 

all  here;  what  mercy,  mercy,  mercy,  let  all  the  people 
shout  and  praise  him."  Then  taking  our  hands,  and 
evidently  afraid  he  must  be  mistaken,  he  said  :  "Four 
of  you  :  my  Mother,  Sally,  Polly ;"  then  raising  him- 
self a  little,  he  clasped  his  dear  trembling  arms  around 
my  neck,  and  kissing  me  with  all  the  fervor  imaginable, 
he  said  :  "And  this  is  my  dear  Pemmy.  Oh,  my  dear 
Pemmy,  seek  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Then  again  turn- 
ing round,  he  said:  "My  dear  Mother,  Sally,  Mary," 
and,  taking  the  hand  of  the  latter,  "  I  am  satisfied.  My 
dear  Pemmy,  trust  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  I  know  you 
are  sometimes  doubting  and  fearing,  and  that  makes  me 
cry.     Trust  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

He  then  expressed  himself  as  most  uneasy  on  account 
of  what  we  should  suffer  for  h  s  loss.  Mr.  A.  said  :  "It 
is,  indeed,  hard  for  your  mother  and  sisters  to  part  with 
you,  but  remember  there  is  one  vvhosticketh  closer  than 
a  brother — can  you  not  leave  them  with  Christ?"  "Oh, 
yes,  yes,"  he  answered  with  earnestness,  "  I  can,  I  can." 
He  then  spoke  of  a  brother  officer  (whom  I  had  before 
heard  him  speak  of  as  a  sceptic).  "  Poor,  unhappy 
man,  he  is  building  on  a  straw  ;  he  used  to  think  we  were 
dreaming!"  "Yes"  (replied  Mr.  A.),  but  you  find 
this  is  no  delusion;  you  find  the  Scriptures  a  blessed 
reality."  He  gave  a  most  heavenly  smile,  as  if  to  ex- 
press how  sweetly  he  had  found  them  so,  and  said:  "He 
cannot  see  it;  oh,  how  blind  he  is." 

This  was  said  in  a  way  which  showed  how  much  the 
dreadful  stale  of  this  young  man  grieved  him.  I  ob- 
served, "  He  is  blind  now,  dear  Anthony,  but  you  know 
nothing  is  too  hard  for  the  Lord,  and  he  may  one  day 
have  mercy  on  him,  and  enable  him  to  see  his  real 
state."  He  raised  his  hands  and  eyes  to  heaven,  and 
said:    "I  hope  so.      Oh,  that  this  visitation   might   be 


8  THE     DYING    OFFICER    IN*    BARRACKS. 

of  use  in  the  barracks.  Oh,  what  a  mercy  (putting 
his  hands  together),  what  a  mercy  ;  why  did  He  call 
me  ■    why  was  it  I  ?'' 

Mr.  A.  ''This  was  the  Lord's  doing,  Anthony."  He 
replied,  "  Yes,  it  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes."  Mr.  A. 
"Yes,  it  is  indeed  marvellous.  You  were  by  nature 
like  others,  a  vile,  guilty  sinner  in  the  sight  of  God,  but 
you  feel  that  the  blood  of  Christ  has  cleansed  you."  He 
replied,  smiling,  "indeed  it  has."      He  then  desired  his 

love    to   Mr. ,  and    said    several    other    things,    but 

became  so  exhausted  that  we  were  unable  to  under- 
stand him.  Afterward,  turning  to  his  servant,  "  The 
blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleanseth  from  all  sin  ;  exhort 
the  soldiers  to  seek  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  warn 
them   not  to  frequent  the  drinking  houses." 

On  Monday  he  was  sensible  only  for  a  short  time, 
when,  looking  up,  he  said,  "Pray  for  W.  j  be  sure  you 
don't  forget  to  pray  for  W." 

On  Tuesday  there  was  a  sensible  alteration.  He  got 
gradually  lower,  and  at  half-past  seven  in  the  evening 
was  taken  to  the  arms  of  that  Saviour  in  whose  merits 
alone  he  had  been  enabled  to  trust  for  salvation. 


PUBLISHED    BY    THE    SOUTH    CAROLINA    TRACT    SOCIETY 

Printed  by  Evans  &  Cogswell,  No.  3  Broad  street,  Charleston,  S.  C. 


Hollinger  Corp, 
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